Author: Rima Gandhi, M.S., OTR/L
Inclusive learning environments are extremely important for all neurotype children, especially our diverse sensory learners. As an Occupational Therapist trained in Sensory Processing/Integration, I am always thinking about how we can support our diverse sensory learners in the classroom environment. When the child is supported and understood in his/her learning environment, they can thrive academically and socially. As educators, you play a vital role in being the creators of inclusivity.
Here are 7 ways to get you started:
1. Become a “Sensory Detective”
In order to become a sensory detective, understanding sensory processing and how it works is essential. If you understand why your students are behaving the way they are, you will be able to intervene with appropriate strategies and make informed decisions on how to modify your environment.
2. Create a Classroom Sensory Profile
Once you know what the sensory needs are of your classroom, then you can create a classroom sensory profile. How many learners are sensory seekers? How many learners are sensory avoidants? What behaviors are you seeing most often – ie. increased volume level, difficulty sitting still? When do you generally see these behaviors – during rug time, after recess?
3. Implement Strategies and Modifications
Based on your classroom profile, implement strategies during those specific times and modify the environment to create an optimal learning environment for all. Learn how to use strategies and modifications.
4. Sensory Movement Breaks
Along with implementing specific strategies based on your classroom profile, it is important to implement whole classroom regulating movement breaks! However, NOT all breaks are created EQUAL! Movement breaks need to incorporate “heavy work” or proprioceptive input. Movement breaks should limit the use of exercises that encourage movement such as spinning, fast rocking/running or vestibular input .
5. Fostering a Supportive Classroom Culture
Creating inclusive learning environments goes beyond implementing strategies and modifications; it also is about fostering empathy and support among peers. Approaching in a child friendly and accepting language, explain to other students about diverse sensory needs and behaviors that they may see in the classroom. Explain to children how they can be supportive and helpful when someone is feeling dysregulated. Educating the class about individual differences can foster a supportive and empathetic learning environment.
6. Encourage Future “Sensory Detectives”
Help the learners become their own “Sensory Detective”. As a whole group, promote sensory processing learning through social stories and age appropriate activities, so they can start to recognize sensory dysregulation and its associated behaviors within themselves. 1:1 consulting between an educator and a student can be done to identify the behaviors that are being seen, explain why they are feeling that way, provide a choice of strategies that will help them self-regulate, and then check in to see how that strategy made them feel.
7. Look Inwards
It is important to look internally at our own (adults in the room) emotional/sensory regulation to the sensory seeking behaviors that are being created by the diverse learners in the room. Are you feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated? By doing a quick self inventory, we can identify if we are feeling overloaded and regulate our sensory system so that we can approach the stimulated child and/or behaviors with clarity and calm.
Creating inclusive sensory learning environments benefits all children and promotes nurturing environments where they feel understood and valued. By becoming a child’s sensory detective and understanding the classroom needs, the educator can effectively create inclusive learning spaces. Furthermore, a supportive classroom culture is adopted when everyone in the classroom demonstrates empathy and support to the diverse sensory strengths and needs. Sensory inclusive classrooms benefit all students, creating a community that celebrates differences and encourages growth together.
*The information above is for educational purposes only, this does not replace any medical or professional occupational therapy advice. Consulting and working with an Occupational Therapist is advised for more targeted and specific advice.
